Seckel syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive microcephalic primordial dwarfism syndrome characterized by prenatal and postnatal growth restriction, microcephaly, intellectual disability, and distinctive bird-headed craniofacial appearance.
Ask a research question about Seckel syndrome. OpenScientist will conduct autonomous deep research using the Disorder Mechanisms Knowledge Base and PubMed literature (typically 10-30 minutes).
Do not include personal health information in your question. Questions and results are cached in your browser's local storage.
name: Seckel syndrome
creation_date: "2026-05-09T14:41:38Z"
description: >-
Seckel syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive microcephalic primordial
dwarfism syndrome characterized by prenatal and postnatal growth restriction,
microcephaly, intellectual disability, and distinctive bird-headed
craniofacial appearance.
category: Mendelian
parents:
- syndromic disease
- autosomal recessive disease
synonyms:
- SCKL
- Seckel-type dwarfism
- bird-headed dwarfism
disease_term:
preferred_term: Seckel syndrome
term:
id: MONDO:0019342
label: Seckel syndrome
classifications:
isds_skeletal_category:
- classification_value: primordial_dwarfism_and_slender_bones
notes: >-
ISDS Nosology of Genetic Skeletal Disorders, 2023 revision (Unger et al.,
PMID:36779427), group 21 "Primordial dwarfism and slender bone
dysplasias". Searching the 2023 table for "Seckel" returns nothing, which
is a naming artefact rather than an omission: dyadic naming rewrote every
Seckel row as "Microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism,
<GENE>-related", so the entities are identifiable only by gene and OMIM
number. Six rows are Seckel syndrome - NOS 21-0110 (ATR, OMIM 210600 =
Seckel syndrome 1), NOS 21-0120 (RBBP8, 606744 = SCKL2), NOS 21-0130
(CEP152, 613823 = SCKL5), NOS 21-0140 (DNA2, 615807 = SCKL8), NOS 21-0150
(TRAIP, 616777 = SCKL9) and NOS 21-0160 (NSMCE2, 617253 = SCKL10). This
entry is the Seckel umbrella and so is broader than any single row; it is
also broader than the group, because two of the genes curated here -
CENPJ (SCKL4, OMIM 613676) and RTTN - appear nowhere in the 2023 table.
Those two are not evidence of a second group: they are simply entities
the committee did not list.
inheritance:
- name: Autosomal recessive inheritance
description: >-
Seckel syndrome is genetically heterogeneous but classically follows
autosomal recessive inheritance due to biallelic pathogenic variants in DNA
damage response or centrosome-associated genes.
inheritance_term:
preferred_term: Autosomal recessive inheritance
term:
id: HP:0000007
label: Autosomal recessive inheritance
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36685824
reference_title: Two novel variants in CEP152 caused Seckel syndrome 5 in a Chinese family.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Background: Seckel syndrome (SCKL) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder, which is mainly characterized by intrauterine and postnatal growth restrictions, microcephaly, intellectual disability, and a typical "bird-head" facial appearance.
explanation: >-
This recent family study directly supports autosomal recessive inheritance
and the major clinical features of Seckel syndrome.
- reference: PMID:37371259
reference_title: "Microcephaly, Short Stature, Intellectual Disability, Speech Absence and Cataract Are Associated with Novel Bi-Allelic Missense Variant in RTTN Gene: A Seckel Syndrome Case Report."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
This novel variant, to the best of our knowledge, is pathogenic and with autosomal recessive inheritance expressed as Seckel syndrome in the affected members of the family.
explanation: >-
This case report supports recessive inheritance in another molecularly
solved Seckel-spectrum family.
pathophysiology:
- name: ATR-related DNA damage checkpoint disruption
biological_scale: MOLECULAR
role: trigger
description: >-
A subset of Seckel syndrome genes affect ATR-dependent DNA damage response
and replication-stress checkpoint signaling, linking genome-maintenance
defects to impaired embryonic growth and neurodevelopment. RBBP8/CtIP is
placed here rather than on the centrosomal arm because it generates the
single-stranded DNA that ATR activation requires, so its loss disables the
same checkpoint from one step upstream.
genes:
- preferred_term: ATR
term:
id: hgnc:882
label: ATR
- preferred_term: RBBP8
term:
id: hgnc:9891
label: RBBP8
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: DNA damage response
modifier: ABNORMAL
term:
id: GO:0006974
label: DNA damage response
- preferred_term: DNA damage checkpoint signaling
modifier: ABNORMAL
term:
id: GO:0000077
label: DNA damage checkpoint signaling
evidence:
- reference: PMID:37371259
reference_title: "Microcephaly, Short Stature, Intellectual Disability, Speech Absence and Cataract Are Associated with Novel Bi-Allelic Missense Variant in RTTN Gene: A Seckel Syndrome Case Report."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Forty cases of Seckel syndrome have been reported to date in the literature due to mutations in the ATR, TRAIP, RBBP8, NSMCE2, NIN, CENPJ, DNA2, CEP152 and CEP63 genes.
explanation: >-
This supports ATR and other genome-maintenance genes as part of the
heterogeneous Seckel syndrome gene set.
- reference: PMID:23166506
reference_title: "Disruption of mouse Cenpj, a regulator of centriole biogenesis, phenocopies Seckel syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: MODEL_ORGANISM
snippet: >-
Notably, however, genomic instability was not the result of defective ATR-dependent DNA damage signaling, as is the case for the majority of genes associated with Seckel syndrome.
explanation: >-
This mouse-model abstract contrasts CENPJ disease with the usual
ATR-dependent DNA damage signaling mechanism in many Seckel genes, so it
partially supports this pathway as a recognized Seckel mechanism.
- reference: PMID:12640452
reference_title: A splicing mutation affecting expression of ataxia-telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR) results in Seckel syndrome.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: >-
A fibroblast cell line derived from an affected individual displays a defective DNA damage response caused by impaired ATR function.
explanation: >-
A cultured patient-derived fibroblast line with a defective DNA damage
response attributable to impaired ATR function. Graded IN_VITRO because the
measurement was made in cultured cells, as for the parallel CtIP and CEP295
cell-line findings in this entry.
- reference: PMID:21998596
reference_title: CtIP Mutations Cause Seckel and Jawad Syndromes.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: >-
Further characterization of cell lines derived from the SCKL2 family revealed defective DNA damage induced formation of single-stranded DNA, a critical co-factor for ATR activation.
explanation: >-
Places RBBP8/CtIP loss on this node: SCKL2 cells fail to generate the
single-stranded DNA that ATR activation depends on.
downstream:
- target: Intrauterine growth retardation
description: Genome-maintenance defects can impair embryonic growth.
- target: Microcephaly
description: Checkpoint and replication-stress defects can impair neurodevelopment.
- target: Cataract
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
description: >-
Lens fibre cells are long-lived and replication-stress sensitive;
reported in the RTTN case, and grouped here with no established route.
- target: Ischemic stroke
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
description: >-
Reported in this disorder. Grouped here provisionally: a cerebrovascular
arm is well established in the related PCNT disorder MOPD II, but no
vasculopathy mechanism has been demonstrated for the Seckel genes.
- name: Centrosome-dependent neural progenitor division impairment
biological_scale: CELLULAR
description: >-
Centrosome and centriole gene defects impair neural progenitor division,
linking microtubule-organizing center dysfunction to reduced brain and body
size.
genes:
- preferred_term: CEP152
term:
id: hgnc:29298
label: CEP152
- preferred_term: CENPJ
term:
id: hgnc:17272
label: CENPJ
- preferred_term: RTTN
term:
id: hgnc:18654
label: RTTN
- preferred_term: CEP63
term:
id: hgnc:25815
label: CEP63
- preferred_term: NIN
term:
id: hgnc:14906
label: NIN
- preferred_term: CEP295
term:
id: hgnc:29366
label: CEP295
cell_types:
- preferred_term: neural progenitor cell
term:
id: CL:0011020
label: neural progenitor cell
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: centriole assembly
modifier: ABNORMAL
term:
id: GO:0098534
label: centriole assembly
- preferred_term: cell population proliferation
modifier: DECREASED
term:
id: GO:0008283
label: cell population proliferation
evidence:
- reference: PMID:37443841
reference_title: "Genetic Primary Microcephalies: When Centrosome Dysfunction Dictates Brain and Body Size."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Most are caused by biallelic or, more rarely, dominant mutations in one of the likely hundreds of genes encoding PM proteins, i.e., ubiquitous centrosome or microtubule-associated proteins required for the division of neural progenitor cells in the embryonic brain.
explanation: >-
This review links primary microcephaly and microcephalic dwarfism to
centrosome or microtubule proteins needed for neural progenitor division.
- reference: PMID:37371259
reference_title: "Microcephaly, Short Stature, Intellectual Disability, Speech Absence and Cataract Are Associated with Novel Bi-Allelic Missense Variant in RTTN Gene: A Seckel Syndrome Case Report."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The RTTN gene encodes centriole biogenesis, replication, symmetry and cohesion, basal body organization and has recently been associated with the appearance of microcephaly syndromes.
explanation: >-
This supports RTTN as a centriole-associated gene relevant to
microcephaly-spectrum Seckel disease.
- reference: PMID:22933543
reference_title: Novel microcephalic primordial dwarfism disorder associated with variants in the centrosomal protein ninein.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: MODEL_ORGANISM
snippet: >-
In the zebrafish, ninein knockdown led to specific and novel defects in the specification and morphogenesis of the anterior neuroectoderm, resulting in a deformity of the developing cranium with a small, squared skull highly reminiscent of the human phenotype.
explanation: >-
Places NIN on this node: loss of ninein disrupts anterior neuroectoderm
specification and cranial growth in vivo.
- reference: PMID:38154379
reference_title: "Bi-allelic variants in CEP295 cause Seckel-like syndrome presenting with primary microcephaly, developmental delay, intellectual disability, short stature, craniofacial and digital abnormalities."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: >-
Mechanistically, depletion of CEP295 resulted in a decrease in the numbers of centrioles and centrosomes and triggered p53-dependent G1 cell cycle arrest.
explanation: >-
Places CEP295 on this node: its depletion lowers centriole and centrosome
number and arrests proliferation.
- reference: PMID:37017437
reference_title: Expanding the phenotype of Seckel syndrome associated with biallelic loss-of-function variants in CEP63.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Up to now, 40 patients with molecularly confirmed Seckel syndrome have been reported with biallelic variants in nine genes: ATR, CENPJ, CEP63, CEP152, DNA2, NIN, NSMCE2, RBBP8, and TRAIP.
explanation: >-
Confirms CEP63 and NIN as Seckel genes. CEP63 is placed on this node on
the strength of this confirmation plus its name - HGNC calls it
"centrosomal protein 63" - rather than on a cited mechanism; no source in
this entry describes what CEP63 does at the centrosome.
downstream:
- target: Intrauterine growth retardation
description: Impaired developmental cell proliferation contributes to prenatal growth restriction.
- target: Microcephaly
description: Impaired neural progenitor division contributes to reduced brain growth.
- target: Short stature
description: Global developmental proliferation defects contribute to severe postnatal growth restriction.
- target: Intellectual disability
description: >-
Functional consequence of the reduced cortical neuron output that
follows progenitor division failure.
- target: Absent speech
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
description: >-
Grouped with the intellectual disability as a neurodevelopmental
consequence; reported in the RTTN case and not a universal feature.
- target: Narrow Face
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
description: >-
Craniofacial consequence of the generalized growth deficit; the
bird-headed profile is the syndrome's defining gestalt but has no established
mechanism.
- target: Prominent Nose
description: >-
Part of the same craniofacial gestalt, with the same caveat.
- name: CENPJ-associated centriole and mitotic failure
biological_scale: CELLULAR
description: >-
CENPJ disruption impairs centriole and centrosome number control, causes
abnormal mitotic spindles, DNA damage, apoptosis, and mitotic failure in a
mouse model that recapitulates Seckel syndrome features.
genes:
- preferred_term: CENPJ
term:
id: hgnc:17272
label: CENPJ
cell_types:
- preferred_term: embryonic fibroblast
term:
id: CL:0000057
label: fibroblast
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: centriole replication
modifier: ABNORMAL
term:
id: GO:0007099
label: centriole replication
- preferred_term: chromosome segregation
modifier: ABNORMAL
term:
id: GO:0007059
label: chromosome segregation
- preferred_term: cell division
modifier: ABNORMAL
term:
id: GO:0051301
label: cell division
evidence:
- reference: PMID:23166506
reference_title: "Disruption of mouse Cenpj, a regulator of centriole biogenesis, phenocopies Seckel syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: MODEL_ORGANISM
snippet: >-
By generating a hypomorphic allele of Cenpj, we have developed a mouse (Cenpj(tm/tm)) that recapitulates many of the clinical features of Seckel syndrome, including intrauterine dwarfism, microcephaly with memory impairment, ossification defects, and ocular and skeletal abnormalities, thus providing clear confirmation that specific mutations of CENPJ can cause Seckel syndrome.
explanation: >-
This mouse model supports CENPJ disruption as a causal Seckel syndrome
mechanism that reproduces key growth and neurologic phenotypes.
- reference: PMID:23166506
reference_title: "Disruption of mouse Cenpj, a regulator of centriole biogenesis, phenocopies Seckel syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: MODEL_ORGANISM
snippet: >-
Instead, Cenpj(tm/tm) embryonic fibroblasts exhibited irregular centriole and centrosome numbers and mono- and multipolar spindles, and many were near-tetraploid with numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities when compared to passage-matched wild-type cells.
explanation: >-
This directly supports abnormal centriole/centrosome control, spindle
formation, and chromosomal instability as mechanistic consequences of
Cenpj deficiency.
- reference: PMID:23166506
reference_title: "Disruption of mouse Cenpj, a regulator of centriole biogenesis, phenocopies Seckel syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: MODEL_ORGANISM
snippet: >-
Increased cell death due to mitotic failure during embryonic development is likely to contribute to the proportionate dwarfism that is associated with CENPJ-Seckel syndrome.
explanation: >-
This supports mitotic failure and increased developmental cell death as a
downstream route from CENPJ dysfunction to proportionate dwarfism.
downstream:
- target: Intrauterine growth retardation
description: Embryonic mitotic failure contributes to prenatal growth restriction.
- target: Microcephaly
description: CENPJ-associated developmental mitotic failure contributes to reduced brain growth.
- target: Short stature
description: Persistent growth impairment follows disrupted embryonic cell division.
- name: Replication-stress intolerance in Seckel-spectrum genome maintenance genes
biological_scale: MOLECULAR
description: >-
Three of the Seckel genes act on the replication fork itself rather than on
the ATR checkpoint that reads it or on the centrosome that divides the cell.
TRAIP is an E3 ubiquitin ligase recruited to damage during S phase, NSMCE2
is the SUMO ligase of the SMC5/6 complex, and DNA2 is a
replication-associated nuclease-helicase. In each, patient or knockdown
cells tolerate replicative stress poorly, and the resulting limit on
developmental cell proliferation is the proposed route to the growth and
brain-size phenotype. The node is kept separate from the ATR node because
each of the three reports describes its gene acting at the fork itself
rather than through ATR checkpoint signalling; that is a statement about
what those reports show, not a claim that no such link exists.
genes:
- preferred_term: TRAIP
term:
id: hgnc:30764
label: TRAIP
- preferred_term: NSMCE2
term:
id: hgnc:26513
label: NSMCE2
- preferred_term: DNA2
term:
id: hgnc:2939
label: DNA2
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: DNA repair
modifier: ABNORMAL
term:
id: GO:0006281
label: DNA repair
- preferred_term: replication fork processing
modifier: ABNORMAL
term:
id: GO:0031297
label: replication fork processing
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26595769
reference_title: TRAIP promotes DNA damage response during genome replication and is mutated in primordial dwarfism.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: >-
We establish that TRAIP relocalizes to sites of DNA damage, where it is required for optimal phosphorylation of H2AX and RPA2 during S-phase in response to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, as well as fork progression through UV-induced DNA lesions.
explanation: >-
Supports both bound processes for TRAIP: recruitment to DNA damage (DNA
repair) and the requirement for replication fork progression past lesions
(replication fork processing).
- reference: PMID:26595769
reference_title: TRAIP promotes DNA damage response during genome replication and is mutated in primordial dwarfism.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: >-
TRAIP is necessary for efficient cell cycle progression and mutations in TRAIP therefore limit cellular proliferation, providing a potential mechanism for microcephaly and dwarfism phenotypes.
explanation: >-
States the proposed route from this node to the growth and brain-size
phenotypes, and is the basis for the downstream edges below.
- reference: PMID:25105364
reference_title: Hypomorphism in human NSMCE2 linked to primordial dwarfism and insulin resistance.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: >-
Collectively, these findings support a role for NSMCE2 in recovery from DNA damage and raise the possibility that loss of its function produces dwarfism through reduced tolerance of replicative stress.
explanation: >-
Supports NSMCE2 on this node: a DNA damage recovery role whose loss the
authors link to dwarfism through poor tolerance of replicative stress.
Note the authors state this as a possibility rather than a demonstrated
route.
- reference: PMID:24389050
reference_title: Genomic analysis of primordial dwarfism reveals novel disease genes.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: >-
These results are highly suggestive that Seckel disease in this family is caused by marked DNA damage sensitivity due to DNA2 mutation.
explanation: >-
Supports DNA2 on this node: the authors attribute the family's Seckel
disease to DNA damage sensitivity produced by the DNA2 variant, which they
rescued by re-expressing wild-type DNA2 in patient cells.
downstream:
- target: Intrauterine growth retardation
description: >-
Limited proliferative capacity under replicative stress restricts
embryonic growth.
- target: Microcephaly
description: >-
The cited mechanism proposed for TRAIP: a limit on cellular proliferation
reduces brain growth.
- target: Short stature
description: >-
The same proliferative limit persists postnatally as severe growth
restriction.
phenotypes:
- name: Intrauterine growth retardation
category: Growth
description: >-
Prenatal growth restriction is a defining feature of Seckel syndrome and
often persists as postnatal proportionate dwarfism.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Intrauterine growth retardation
term:
id: HP:0001511
label: Intrauterine growth retardation
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36685824
reference_title: Two novel variants in CEP152 caused Seckel syndrome 5 in a Chinese family.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Background: Seckel syndrome (SCKL) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder, which is mainly characterized by intrauterine and postnatal growth restrictions, microcephaly, intellectual disability, and a typical "bird-head" facial appearance.
explanation: >-
The abstract identifies intrauterine growth restriction as a main disease
characteristic.
- name: Microcephaly
category: Neurologic
description: >-
Microcephaly is a cardinal neurodevelopmental feature and can be severe.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Microcephaly
term:
id: HP:0000252
label: Microcephaly
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36685824
reference_title: Two novel variants in CEP152 caused Seckel syndrome 5 in a Chinese family.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Background: Seckel syndrome (SCKL) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder, which is mainly characterized by intrauterine and postnatal growth restrictions, microcephaly, intellectual disability, and a typical "bird-head" facial appearance.
explanation: This directly lists microcephaly as a main Seckel syndrome feature.
- reference: PMID:37371259
reference_title: "Microcephaly, Short Stature, Intellectual Disability, Speech Absence and Cataract Are Associated with Novel Bi-Allelic Missense Variant in RTTN Gene: A Seckel Syndrome Case Report."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
We present a consanguineous Pakistani family clinically suspected of Seckel syndrome with severe microcephaly, severe intellectual disability, short stature, absence of speech, pointed nose, narrow face and bilateral cataract in two siblings residing in the suburbs of Islamabad.
explanation: This affected-family report supports severe microcephaly.
- name: Short stature
category: Growth
description: >-
Severe postnatal growth restriction produces short stature within the
microcephalic primordial dwarfism spectrum.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Short stature
term:
id: HP:0004322
label: Short stature
evidence:
- reference: PMID:37371259
reference_title: "Microcephaly, Short Stature, Intellectual Disability, Speech Absence and Cataract Are Associated with Novel Bi-Allelic Missense Variant in RTTN Gene: A Seckel Syndrome Case Report."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
We present a consanguineous Pakistani family clinically suspected of Seckel syndrome with severe microcephaly, severe intellectual disability, short stature, absence of speech, pointed nose, narrow face and bilateral cataract in two siblings residing in the suburbs of Islamabad.
explanation: This case report directly includes short stature in affected siblings.
- name: Intellectual disability
category: Neurologic
description: >-
Intellectual disability is a major neurodevelopmental feature of the
syndrome.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Intellectual disability
term:
id: HP:0001249
label: Intellectual disability
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36685824
reference_title: Two novel variants in CEP152 caused Seckel syndrome 5 in a Chinese family.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Background: Seckel syndrome (SCKL) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder, which is mainly characterized by intrauterine and postnatal growth restrictions, microcephaly, intellectual disability, and a typical "bird-head" facial appearance.
explanation: This directly lists intellectual disability as a main feature.
- name: Prominent Nose
category: Craniofacial
description: >-
A pointed or prominent nose is a component of the characteristic
bird-headed craniofacial appearance in reported Seckel-spectrum families.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Prominent nose
term:
id: HP:0000448
label: Prominent nose
evidence:
- reference: PMID:37371259
reference_title: "Microcephaly, Short Stature, Intellectual Disability, Speech Absence and Cataract Are Associated with Novel Bi-Allelic Missense Variant in RTTN Gene: A Seckel Syndrome Case Report."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
We present a consanguineous Pakistani family clinically suspected of Seckel syndrome with severe microcephaly, severe intellectual disability, short stature, absence of speech, pointed nose, narrow face and bilateral cataract in two siblings residing in the suburbs of Islamabad.
explanation: The case report directly supports a pointed/prominent nose.
- name: Narrow Face
category: Craniofacial
description: >-
A narrow face is a reported component of the Seckel-spectrum craniofacial
gestalt.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Narrow face
term:
id: HP:0000275
label: Narrow face
evidence:
- reference: PMID:37371259
reference_title: "Microcephaly, Short Stature, Intellectual Disability, Speech Absence and Cataract Are Associated with Novel Bi-Allelic Missense Variant in RTTN Gene: A Seckel Syndrome Case Report."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
We present a consanguineous Pakistani family clinically suspected of Seckel syndrome with severe microcephaly, severe intellectual disability, short stature, absence of speech, pointed nose, narrow face and bilateral cataract in two siblings residing in the suburbs of Islamabad.
explanation: The case report directly supports narrow face.
- name: Absent speech
category: Neurologic
description: >-
Some affected individuals have severe speech and language impairment,
including absence of speech.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Absent speech
term:
id: HP:0001344
label: Absent speech
evidence:
- reference: PMID:37371259
reference_title: "Microcephaly, Short Stature, Intellectual Disability, Speech Absence and Cataract Are Associated with Novel Bi-Allelic Missense Variant in RTTN Gene: A Seckel Syndrome Case Report."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
We present a consanguineous Pakistani family clinically suspected of Seckel syndrome with severe microcephaly, severe intellectual disability, short stature, absence of speech, pointed nose, narrow face and bilateral cataract in two siblings residing in the suburbs of Islamabad.
explanation: This family report directly supports absence of speech.
- name: Cataract
category: Ophthalmologic
description: >-
Cataract is a reported ocular manifestation in some Seckel-spectrum
families.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Cataract
term:
id: HP:0000518
label: Cataract
evidence:
- reference: PMID:37371259
reference_title: "Microcephaly, Short Stature, Intellectual Disability, Speech Absence and Cataract Are Associated with Novel Bi-Allelic Missense Variant in RTTN Gene: A Seckel Syndrome Case Report."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
We present a consanguineous Pakistani family clinically suspected of Seckel syndrome with severe microcephaly, severe intellectual disability, short stature, absence of speech, pointed nose, narrow face and bilateral cataract in two siblings residing in the suburbs of Islamabad.
explanation: This case report directly supports bilateral cataract.
- name: Ischemic stroke
category: Neurologic
description: >-
Cerebrovascular disease, including ischemic stroke related to CNS
vasculopathy, has been reported as a serious complication in Seckel
syndrome.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Ischemic stroke
term:
id: HP:0002140
label: Ischemic stroke
evidence:
- reference: DOI:10.1002/ccr3.8871
reference_title: Arterial stroke in a child with Seckel syndrome with a pattern of non-moyamoya vasculopathy
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Seckel syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by growth retardation and multiple anomalies associated with CNS vasculopathy.
explanation: >-
This case report abstract supports CNS vasculopathy as a complication;
the article describes arterial stroke in the affected child.
diagnosis:
- name: Molecular genetic testing
description: >-
Molecular testing, including exome sequencing with confirmatory transcript
studies when splice effects are suspected, can identify the causal gene and
clarify recurrence risk in suspected Seckel syndrome.
diagnosis_term:
preferred_term: molecular genetic testing
term:
id: NCIT:C19770
label: Molecular Analysis
results: >-
Biallelic pathogenic variants in a Seckel syndrome gene support the
diagnosis.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36685824
reference_title: Two novel variants in CEP152 caused Seckel syndrome 5 in a Chinese family.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
We performed karyotype analysis, copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq), and trio whole-exome sequencing (WES) to explore the genetic etiology in the proband.
explanation: >-
This recent case demonstrates molecular diagnostic testing after clinical
suspicion of Seckel syndrome.
- reference: PMID:36685824
reference_title: Two novel variants in CEP152 caused Seckel syndrome 5 in a Chinese family.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The karyotype analysis and CNV-seq were normal in the proband. Two novel variants in CEP152, c.1060C>T (p.Arg354*) and c.1414-14A>G, were identified in the proband through trio-WES.
explanation: >-
This supports exome sequencing as the diagnostic step that identified the
causal variants after normal karyotype and CNV sequencing.
has_subtypes:
- name: SCKL1
display_name: Seckel syndrome 1 (ATR)
subtype_term:
preferred_term: Seckel syndrome 1
term:
id: MONDO:0008869
label: Seckel syndrome 1
genes:
- preferred_term: ATR
term:
id: hgnc:882
label: ATR
description: >-
The SCKL1 locus, mapped to chromosome 3q in two consanguineous Pakistani
families and resolved to a synonymous ATR variant that alters splicing. It
is the reference case for the DNA damage response arm of this entry: ATR is
the checkpoint kinase whose function the affected fibroblasts lack.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:12640452
reference_title: A splicing mutation affecting expression of ataxia-telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR) results in Seckel syndrome.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
We identified a synonymous mutation in affected individuals that alters ATR splicing.
explanation: >-
The causal ATR variant in the two consanguineous families that define this
subtype.
- name: SCKL2
display_name: Seckel syndrome 2 (RBBP8/CtIP)
subtype_term:
preferred_term: Seckel syndrome 2
term:
id: MONDO:0011715
label: Seckel syndrome 2
genes:
- preferred_term: RBBP8
term:
id: hgnc:9891
label: RBBP8
description: >-
Caused by mutations in RBBP8, which encodes the DNA end-resection factor
CtIP. The same gene also underlies Jawad syndrome, which the report
describes as a similar form of congenital microcephaly; the two families
carry different kinds of allele, an exonic frameshift in the Jawad family
and a splicing variant yielding a dominant-negative CtIP in the SCKL2
family.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:21998596
reference_title: CtIP Mutations Cause Seckel and Jawad Syndromes.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
This work thus identifies CtIP as a disease gene for Seckel and Jawad syndromes and defines a new type of genetic disease mechanism in which a dominant negative mutation yields a recessively inherited disorder.
explanation: >-
Establishes CtIP/RBBP8 as the SCKL2 gene and notes that the same gene
gives Jawad syndrome.
- name: SCKL4
display_name: Seckel syndrome 4 (CENPJ)
subtype_term:
preferred_term: Seckel syndrome 4
term:
id: MONDO:0013358
label: Seckel syndrome 4
genes:
- preferred_term: CENPJ
term:
id: hgnc:17272
label: CENPJ
description: >-
The CENPJ form, whose mouse model is the source of this entry's centriole
and mitotic failure node. HGNC has since renamed this gene CPAP, with CENPJ
and MCPH6 as previous symbols; the label CENPJ is kept here because it is
what the ontology build used for term validation returns for hgnc:17272.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:37017437
reference_title: Expanding the phenotype of Seckel syndrome associated with biallelic loss-of-function variants in CEP63.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Up to now, 40 patients with molecularly confirmed Seckel syndrome have been reported with biallelic variants in nine genes: ATR, CENPJ, CEP63, CEP152, DNA2, NIN, NSMCE2, RBBP8, and TRAIP.
explanation: >-
Counts CENPJ among the nine genes in which biallelic variants give
molecularly confirmed Seckel syndrome.
- name: SCKL5
display_name: Seckel syndrome 5 (CEP152)
subtype_term:
preferred_term: Seckel syndrome 5
term:
id: MONDO:0013443
label: Seckel syndrome 5
genes:
- preferred_term: CEP152
term:
id: hgnc:29298
label: CEP152
description: >-
The CEP152 form. The family curated here carried two novel variants found
by trio exome sequencing, one of them a non-canonical splice-site change
confirmed by RT-PCR to skip exon 12.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36685824
reference_title: Two novel variants in CEP152 caused Seckel syndrome 5 in a Chinese family.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Two novel variants in CEP152, c.1060C>T (p.Arg354*) and c.1414-14A>G, were identified in the proband through trio-WES.
explanation: >-
The two CEP152 variants identified in the family this subtype is named
for.
- name: SCKL6
display_name: Seckel syndrome 6 (CEP63)
subtype_term:
preferred_term: Seckel syndrome 6
term:
id: MONDO:0013871
label: Seckel syndrome 6
genes:
- preferred_term: CEP63
term:
id: hgnc:25815
label: CEP63
description: >-
Biallelic loss-of-function variants in CEP63. Reported in two families; in
the second, only one of three affected siblings had severe short stature,
so the growth arm of the Seckel phenotype is variable in this subtype.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:37017437
reference_title: Expanding the phenotype of Seckel syndrome associated with biallelic loss-of-function variants in CEP63.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
All siblings present with microcephaly, prominent nose, and intellectual disability but only one has severe short stature.
explanation: >-
Records the within-family variability of short stature in the second
reported CEP63 family.
- name: SCKL7
display_name: Seckel syndrome 7 (NIN)
subtype_term:
preferred_term: Seckel syndrome 7
term:
id: MONDO:0013922
label: Seckel syndrome 7
genes:
- preferred_term: NIN
term:
id: hgnc:14906
label: NIN
description: >-
The NIN form, reported in two sisters as a distinct microcephalic primordial
dwarfism rather than under the Seckel label; MONDO carries "microcephalic
primordial dwarfism, Dauber type" as a synonym of this term. Ninein is a
centrosomal protein of asymmetric cell division, placing this subtype on the
centrosomal rather than the DNA damage response arm.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:22933543
reference_title: Novel microcephalic primordial dwarfism disorder associated with variants in the centrosomal protein ninein.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
NIN, encoding Ninein, a centrosomal protein critically involved in asymmetric cell division, was identified as a candidate gene, and functional impacts in fibroblasts and zebrafish were studied.
explanation: >-
Identifies NIN and the centrosomal, asymmetric-division role that places
this subtype on the centrosomal arm.
- name: SCKL8
display_name: Seckel syndrome 8 (DNA2)
subtype_term:
preferred_term: Seckel syndrome 8
term:
id: MONDO:0014350
label: Seckel syndrome 8
genes:
- preferred_term: DNA2
term:
id: hgnc:2939
label: DNA2
description: >-
Defined by a homozygous truncating DNA2 variant found in one consanguineous
multiplex family during a genomic survey of primordial dwarfism. DNA2 is a
replication-associated helicase/nuclease, so this subtype sits on the
replication-stress arm.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:24389050
reference_title: Genomic analysis of primordial dwarfism reveals novel disease genes.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
In addition, we have identified a novel locus for Seckel syndrome based on a consanguineous multiplex family and identified a homozygous truncating mutation in DNA2 as the likely cause.
explanation: >-
The family and the DNA2 variant that define this locus.
- name: SCKL9
display_name: Seckel syndrome 9 (TRAIP)
subtype_term:
preferred_term: Seckel syndrome 9
term:
id: MONDO:0014767
label: Seckel syndrome 9
genes:
- preferred_term: TRAIP
term:
id: hgnc:30764
label: TRAIP
description: >-
The TRAIP form. TRAIP is an E3 RING ubiquitin ligase acting at
replication-blocking lesions, and the three reported patients had
near-identical growth parameters with extreme disproportionate microcephaly.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26595769
reference_title: TRAIP promotes DNA damage response during genome replication and is mutated in primordial dwarfism.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Here we report the identification of mutations in TRAIP, encoding an E3 RING ubiquitin ligase, in patients with microcephalic primordial dwarfism.
explanation: >-
Identifies TRAIP and the ubiquitin-ligase function that places this
subtype on the replication-stress arm.
- name: SCKL10
display_name: Seckel syndrome 10 (NSMCE2)
subtype_term:
preferred_term: Seckel syndrome 10
term:
id: MONDO:0014991
label: Seckel syndrome 10
genes:
- preferred_term: NSMCE2
term:
id: hgnc:26513
label: NSMCE2
description: >-
The NSMCE2 form, and the weakest of the ten by expert-panel assessment:
ClinGen classifies the relationship as Moderate on two reported patients.
Those patients also had extreme insulin resistance and gonadal failure,
features outside the Seckel core phenotype.
evidence:
- reference: CGGV:assertion_ca7846fa-7685-4f47-b7e4-f4a9e3877664-2025-02-05T170000.000Z
reference_title: NSMCE2 / Seckel syndrome 10 (Moderate)
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
In summary, there is moderate evidence to support this gene-disease relationship.
explanation: >-
ClinGen's own summary sentence for the NSMCE2 - Seckel syndrome 10
relationship, the basis for the caveat recorded here.
- name: SCKL11
display_name: Seckel syndrome 11 (CEP295)
subtype_term:
preferred_term: Seckel syndrome 11
term:
id: MONDO:0958328
label: Seckel syndrome 11
genes:
- preferred_term: CEP295
term:
id: hgnc:29366
label: CEP295
description: >-
The most recently described subtype, reported in four children from two
unrelated families. The authors call the presentation Seckel-like rather
than Seckel; MONDO files it as a direct subclass of Seckel syndrome. Loss of
CEP295 reduces centriole and centrosome number and also produces primary
ciliary defects in patient fibroblasts, which the report presents as a
second arm of the pathogenesis alongside the centrosomal one.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:38154379
reference_title: "Bi-allelic variants in CEP295 cause Seckel-like syndrome presenting with primary microcephaly, developmental delay, intellectual disability, short stature, craniofacial and digital abnormalities."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: >-
Mechanistically, depletion of CEP295 resulted in a decrease in the numbers of centrioles and centrosomes and triggered p53-dependent G1 cell cycle arrest.
explanation: >-
The centriole/centrosome loss and p53-dependent arrest that make this a
centrosomal-arm subtype. Graded IN_VITRO: the measurement was made in
patient-derived fibroblasts and CEP295-depleted cell lines.
genetic:
- name: ATR
association: Causal biallelic variant
relationship_type: CAUSATIVE
subtype: SCKL1
gene_term:
preferred_term: ATR
term:
id: hgnc:882
label: ATR
evidence:
- reference: PMID:37371259
reference_title: "Microcephaly, Short Stature, Intellectual Disability, Speech Absence and Cataract Are Associated with Novel Bi-Allelic Missense Variant in RTTN Gene: A Seckel Syndrome Case Report."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Forty cases of Seckel syndrome have been reported to date in the literature due to mutations in the ATR, TRAIP, RBBP8, NSMCE2, NIN, CENPJ, DNA2, CEP152 and CEP63 genes.
explanation: >-
This human case-report review identifies ATR among genes with mutations
reported to cause Seckel syndrome.
- name: CEP152
association: Causal biallelic variant
relationship_type: CAUSATIVE
subtype: SCKL5
gene_term:
preferred_term: CEP152
term:
id: hgnc:29298
label: CEP152
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36685824
reference_title: Two novel variants in CEP152 caused Seckel syndrome 5 in a Chinese family.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Two novel variants in CEP152, c.1060C>T (p.Arg354*) and c.1414-14A>G, were identified in the proband through trio-WES.
explanation: This directly supports CEP152 as a causal Seckel syndrome gene.
- reference: PMID:36685824
reference_title: Two novel variants in CEP152 caused Seckel syndrome 5 in a Chinese family.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Moreover, aberrant skipping of exon 12 due to the non-canonical splice-site variant was revealed by RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing.
explanation: >-
This supports the functional effect of the non-canonical CEP152 splice
variant.
- name: RTTN
association: Causal biallelic variant
relationship_type: UNKNOWN
notes: >-
The cited family is described as clinically suspected Seckel syndrome, so
RTTN is retained as a Seckel-spectrum association rather than a canonical
founding SCKL gene. Typed UNKNOWN for the RTTN-to-Seckel pair specifically,
not because the gene's pathogenicity is in doubt: ClinGen's Brain
Malformations panel classifies RTTN as Definitive, but for microcephalic
primordial dwarfism due to RTTN deficiency, a separate MONDO term. MONDO
records no numbered Seckel subtype for RTTN, which is why this record carries
no subtype key, and that other term is the better home for the gene.
gene_term:
preferred_term: RTTN
term:
id: hgnc:18654
label: RTTN
evidence:
- reference: PMID:37371259
reference_title: "Microcephaly, Short Stature, Intellectual Disability, Speech Absence and Cataract Are Associated with Novel Bi-Allelic Missense Variant in RTTN Gene: A Seckel Syndrome Case Report."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Whole-exome sequencing discovered NM_173630.4: c.57G > T(pGlu19Asp) missense variant in exon 2 of the RTTN gene that co-segregates in the family.
explanation: >-
This supports RTTN as a Seckel-spectrum causal gene in the reported
family.
- reference: CGGV:assertion_ebfb3367-c465-4e77-9256-ab34683c8ba7-2024-10-24T160000.000Z
reference_title: "RTTN / microcephalic primordial dwarfism due to RTTN deficiency (Definitive)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
RTTN | HGNC:18654 | microcephalic primordial dwarfism due to RTTN deficiency | MONDO:0018764 | AR | Definitive | SOP11 | Brain Malformations Gene Curation Expert Panel | 2024-10-24T16:00:00.000Z
explanation: >-
ClinGen curates RTTN as Definitive, but against a different disease term
from the Seckel one this entry models. Cited here so the UNKNOWN typing is
read as being about the RTTN-to-Seckel pair and not about the gene.
- name: CENPJ
association: Causal biallelic variant
relationship_type: CAUSATIVE
subtype: SCKL4
gene_term:
preferred_term: CENPJ
term:
id: hgnc:17272
label: CENPJ
evidence:
- reference: PMID:23166506
reference_title: "Disruption of mouse Cenpj, a regulator of centriole biogenesis, phenocopies Seckel syndrome."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: MODEL_ORGANISM
snippet: >-
Disruption of the centromere protein J gene, CENPJ (CPAP, MCPH6, SCKL4), which is a highly conserved and ubiquitiously expressed centrosomal protein, has been associated with primary microcephaly and the microcephalic primordial dwarfism disorder Seckel syndrome.
explanation: >-
This establishes CENPJ as a Seckel syndrome gene and supports the
centriole-biogenesis mechanism.
- name: RBBP8
association: Causal biallelic variant
relationship_type: CAUSATIVE
subtype: SCKL2
gene_term:
preferred_term: RBBP8
term:
id: hgnc:9891
label: RBBP8
notes: >-
RBBP8 encodes CtIP, the DNA end-resection factor that generates the
single-stranded DNA on which ATR is activated, so this gene sits upstream of
the ATR checkpoint arm rather than on the centrosomal arm. HGNC lists SCKL2
as a previous symbol for RBBP8.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:21998596
reference_title: CtIP Mutations Cause Seckel and Jawad Syndromes.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
This work thus identifies CtIP as a disease gene for Seckel and Jawad syndromes and defines a new type of genetic disease mechanism in which a dominant negative mutation yields a recessively inherited disorder.
explanation: >-
Identifies CtIP (RBBP8) as a Seckel syndrome disease gene, which is the
basis for this record.
- reference: PMID:21998596
reference_title: CtIP Mutations Cause Seckel and Jawad Syndromes.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Here, we report two mutations in the CtIP (RBBP8) gene within this locus that result in expression of C-terminally truncated forms of CtIP.
explanation: >-
Names the two CtIP/RBBP8 mutations found at the SCKL2 locus and the
truncated protein they produce.
- name: CEP63
association: Causal biallelic variant
relationship_type: CAUSATIVE
subtype: SCKL6
gene_term:
preferred_term: CEP63
term:
id: hgnc:25815
label: CEP63
evidence:
- reference: PMID:37017437
reference_title: Expanding the phenotype of Seckel syndrome associated with biallelic loss-of-function variants in CEP63.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Here, we report a second family with three siblings who are compound heterozygous for loss-of-function variants in CEP63, c.1125T>G, p.(Tyr375*) and c.595del, p.(Glu199Asnfs*11).
explanation: >-
A second family with biallelic loss-of-function CEP63 variants and a
Seckel phenotype, which is the human evidence for this record.
- name: NIN
association: Causal biallelic variant
relationship_type: CAUSATIVE
subtype: SCKL7
gene_term:
preferred_term: NIN
term:
id: hgnc:14906
label: NIN
notes: >-
The report that identified NIN describes the two sisters as a novel subtype
of microcephalic primordial dwarfism rather than using the Seckel label;
MONDO carries "microcephalic primordial dwarfism, Dauber type" as a synonym
of Seckel syndrome 7, and a later Seckel review counts NIN among the nine
genes with molecularly confirmed Seckel syndrome.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:22933543
reference_title: Novel microcephalic primordial dwarfism disorder associated with variants in the centrosomal protein ninein.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
From 34,606 genomic variants, two very rare missense variants in NIN were identified. Both probands were compound heterozygotes.
explanation: >-
The exome finding in the two affected sisters that links NIN to this
microcephalic primordial dwarfism phenotype.
- reference: PMID:37017437
reference_title: Expanding the phenotype of Seckel syndrome associated with biallelic loss-of-function variants in CEP63.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Up to now, 40 patients with molecularly confirmed Seckel syndrome have been reported with biallelic variants in nine genes: ATR, CENPJ, CEP63, CEP152, DNA2, NIN, NSMCE2, RBBP8, and TRAIP.
explanation: >-
Counts NIN among the genes in which biallelic variants give molecularly
confirmed Seckel syndrome, which is why the NIN entity is curated here
rather than only under its primordial-dwarfism name.
- name: DNA2
association: Causal biallelic variant
relationship_type: CAUSATIVE
subtype: SCKL8
gene_term:
preferred_term: DNA2
term:
id: hgnc:2939
label: DNA2
evidence:
- reference: PMID:24389050
reference_title: Genomic analysis of primordial dwarfism reveals novel disease genes.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
In addition, we have identified a novel locus for Seckel syndrome based on a consanguineous multiplex family and identified a homozygous truncating mutation in DNA2 as the likely cause.
explanation: >-
The consanguineous-family mapping and homozygous truncating DNA2 variant
that define the SCKL8 locus.
- name: TRAIP
association: Causal biallelic variant
relationship_type: CAUSATIVE
subtype: SCKL9
gene_term:
preferred_term: TRAIP
term:
id: hgnc:30764
label: TRAIP
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26595769
reference_title: TRAIP promotes DNA damage response during genome replication and is mutated in primordial dwarfism.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Here we report the identification of mutations in TRAIP, encoding an E3 RING ubiquitin ligase, in patients with microcephalic primordial dwarfism.
explanation: >-
Identifies TRAIP mutations in microcephalic primordial dwarfism patients,
the cohort from which the Seckel-diagnosed family in this report was drawn.
- name: NSMCE2
association: Causal biallelic variant
relationship_type: CAUSATIVE
subtype: SCKL10
gene_term:
preferred_term: NSMCE2
term:
id: hgnc:26513
label: NSMCE2
notes: >-
ClinGen's Syndromic Disorders expert panel classifies the NSMCE2 - Seckel
syndrome 10 relationship as Moderate rather than Definitive, so the record
is retained but the strength of the assertion is weaker than for ATR or
CENPJ. The two reported patients also had extreme insulin resistance and
gonadal failure, which are not features of the Seckel core phenotype.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:25105364
reference_title: Hypomorphism in human NSMCE2 linked to primordial dwarfism and insulin resistance.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Here, we characterized 2 patients with primordial dwarfism, extreme insulin resistance, and gonadal failure and identified compound heterozygous frameshift mutations in NSMCE2.
explanation: >-
The two patients and the compound heterozygous NSMCE2 frameshift variants
that are the sole human case-level basis for this gene-disease pair.
- reference: CGGV:assertion_ca7846fa-7685-4f47-b7e4-f4a9e3877664-2025-02-05T170000.000Z
reference_title: NSMCE2 / Seckel syndrome 10 (Moderate)
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
NSMCE2 | HGNC:26513 | Seckel syndrome 10 | MONDO:0014991 | AR | Moderate | SOP11 | Syndromic Disorders Gene Curation Expert Panel | 2025-02-05T17:00:00.000Z
explanation: >-
ClinGen's gene-disease validity row for NSMCE2 and Seckel syndrome 10,
recording the Moderate classification and autosomal recessive inheritance.
- name: CEP295
association: Causal biallelic variant
relationship_type: CAUSATIVE
subtype: SCKL11
gene_term:
preferred_term: CEP295
term:
id: hgnc:29366
label: CEP295
notes: >-
The report describes the four affected children as having a Seckel-like
syndrome rather than using the Seckel diagnosis itself; MONDO nonetheless
files the CEP295 entity as Seckel syndrome 11, a direct subclass of Seckel
syndrome. HGNC lists KIAA1731 as a previous symbol for CEP295.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:38154379
reference_title: "Bi-allelic variants in CEP295 cause Seckel-like syndrome presenting with primary microcephaly, developmental delay, intellectual disability, short stature, craniofacial and digital abnormalities."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Here, we report bi-allelic variants of CEP295 in four children from two unrelated families, characterized by severe primary microcephaly, short stature, developmental delay, intellectual disability, facial deformities, and abnormalities of fingers and toes, suggesting a Seckel-like syndrome.
explanation: >-
The four affected children in two unrelated families and the phenotype
the authors call Seckel-like, which is the human basis for this record.
treatments:
- name: Genetic counseling and reproductive planning
description: >-
Molecular diagnosis enables recurrence-risk counseling and reproductive
planning in families affected by autosomal recessive Seckel syndrome.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: genetic counseling
term:
id: NCIT:C15240
label: Genetic Counseling
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36685824
reference_title: Two novel variants in CEP152 caused Seckel syndrome 5 in a Chinese family.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Our findings expanded pathogenic variant spectra in SCKL and offered new insights into the pathogenicity of a non-classical splice-site variant in CEP152, which provided additional information for helping the family improve pregnancy plans in the future.
explanation: >-
This supports genetic counseling and reproductive planning after a
molecular diagnosis in an affected family.
clinical_trials: []
datasets: []
biochemical: []
environmental: []
Deep research results are used as seeds for research; they do not undergo the same validation as the main records and may contain errors. How we use deep research.
Question: You are an expert researcher providing comprehensive, well-cited information.
Provide detailed information focusing on: 1. Key concepts and definitions with current understanding 2. Recent developments and latest research (prioritize 2023-2024 sources) 3. Current applications and real-world implementations 4. Expert opinions and analysis from authoritative sources 5. Relevant statistics and data from recent studies
Format as a comprehensive research report with proper citations. Include URLs and publication dates where available. Always prioritize recent, authoritative sources and provide specific citations for all major claims.
Please provide a comprehensive research report on Seckel syndrome covering all of the disease characteristics listed below. This report will be used to populate a disease knowledge base entry. Be thorough and cite primary literature (PMID preferred) for all claims.
For each section, suggested databases/resources are listed. These are the first places you should search for information on each topic.
Search first: OMIM, Orphanet, ICD-10/ICD-11, MeSH, PubMed
Search first: PubMed, Cochrane Library, UpToDate, clinical guidelines, ClinVar, ClinGen, GWAS Catalog, PheGenI, CTD, CDC, WHO, epidemiological databases
Search first: PubMed, Cochrane Library, clinical trial databases, GWAS Catalog, gnomAD, WHO, CDC, nutrition databases
Search first: CTD, PubMed, PheGenI, GxE databases
Search first: HPO (Human Phenotype Ontology), OMIM, Orphanet, PubMed, clinicaltrials.gov, MedDRA, SNOMED CT, DECIPHER, LOINC
For each phenotype, provide: - Phenotype type: symptoms, clinical signs, physical manifestations, behavioral changes, or laboratory abnormalities
For symptoms/signs: HPO, OMIM, Orphanet, PubMed For behavioral changes: HPO, DSM, RDoC (Research Domain Criteria), PubMed For laboratory abnormalities: LOINC, SNOMED CT, LabTests Online, PubMed - Phenotype characteristics: Search first: OMIM, Orphanet, HPO, PubMed - Age of symptom onset (neonatal, childhood, adult-onset, late-onset) - Symptom severity (mild, moderate, severe, variable) - Symptom progression (stable, progressive, episodic, fluctuating) - Frequency among affected individuals (percentage or qualitative) - Quality of life impact: Effects on daily functioning and well-being (per-phenotype when possible) Search first: EQ-5D database, SF-36, WHO QOL databases, PubMed - Suggest HPO (Human Phenotype Ontology) terms for each phenotype
Search first: OMIM, ClinVar, HGMD, Ensembl, NCBI Gene
Search first: ENCODE, Roadmap Epigenomics, MethBase, DiseaseMeth
Search first: DECIPHER, ClinVar, ECARUCA, UCSC Genome Browser
Search first: CTD (Comparative Toxicogenomics Database), TOXNET, PubMed, EPA databases
Search first: CDC databases, WHO, PubMed, NHANES
Search first: NCBI Taxonomy, ViPR, BV-BRC, MicrobeDB, GIDEON
Search first: KEGG, Reactome, WikiPathways, PathBank, BioCyc
Search first: Gene Ontology (GO), Reactome, KEGG, PubMed
Search first: UniProt, PDB (Protein Data Bank), InterPro, Pfam, AlphaFold
Search first: KEGG, BioCyc, HMDB (Human Metabolome Database), BRENDA
Search first: ImmPort, Immunome Database, IEDB, Gene Ontology
Search first: PubMed, Gene Ontology, Reactome
Search first: BRENDA, UniProt, KEGG, OMIM, PubMed
Search first: ENCODE, Roadmap Epigenomics, MethBase, DiseaseMeth
For each mechanism, describe: - The causal chain from initial trigger to clinical manifestation - Which mechanisms are upstream vs downstream - What cell types and biological processes are involved - Suggest GO terms for biological processes and CL terms for cell types
Search first: Uberon, FMA (Foundational Model of Anatomy), OMIM, HPO, ICD-11, MeSH, SNOMED CT
Search first: Uberon, Human Protein Atlas, Cell Ontology, Human Cell Atlas, CellMarker, PanglaoDB
Search first: Gene Ontology (Cellular Component), UniProt, Human Protein Atlas
Search first: OMIM, Orphanet, HPO, PubMed
Search first: Disease registries, longitudinal cohort databases, natural history studies, PubMed, Orphanet, OMIM
Search first: Orphanet, CDC, WHO, GBD (Global Burden of Disease), national registries, SEER, disease registries
Search first: GTR (Genetic Testing Registry), GeneReviews, ClinGen
For each treatment, suggest MAXO (Medical Action Ontology) terms where applicable.
Search first: CDC vaccine schedules, WHO immunization, FDA vaccine database
Search first: CDC, WHO, behavioral intervention databases, Cochrane Library
Search first: NSGC resources, ACMG guidelines, GeneReviews
Search first: Clinical guidelines, FDA approvals, PubMed
Search first: NCBI Taxonomy
Search first: VBO (Vertebrate Breed Ontology)
Search first: NCBI Gene
Structure your response as a comprehensive narrative organized by the sections above. For each section, provide: - Factual content with specific details (numbers, percentages, gene names, variant nomenclature) - Ontology term suggestions (HPO, GO, CL, UBERON, CHEBI, MAXO, MONDO) where applicable - Evidence citations with PMIDs - Direct quotes from abstracts to support key claims - Clear indication when information is not available or not applicable for this disease
This report will be used to populate a disease knowledge base entry with: - Pathophysiology descriptions with causal chains - Gene/protein annotations (HGNC, GO terms) - Phenotype associations (HP terms) with frequencies - Cell type involvement (CL terms) - Anatomical locations (UBERON terms) - Chemical entities (CHEBI terms) - Treatment annotations (MAXO terms) - Evidence items with PMIDs and exact abstract quotes - Epidemiology, prognosis, diagnostic, and prevention information - Animal model descriptions with phenotype recapitulation details
Seckel syndrome is classically defined by symmetrical intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and postnatal proportionate short stature, severe microcephaly, intellectual disability, and characteristic craniofacial features often described as “bird-headed” (prominent nose/beaked nose and micrognathia). (zhang2023twonovelvariants pages 1-2, farcy2023geneticprimarymicrocephalies pages 2-4, kelana2023caseofseckel pages 1-2)
A recent review of centrosome-related microcephalies places Seckel syndrome within microcephalic primordial dwarfism (MPD) and summarizes diagnostic “threshold-like” anthropometrics, including childhood short stature around −6 to −8 SD and adult height around ~120 cm, with markedly reduced head circumference (adult ~39–42 cm, newborn ~27 cm in the cited clinical criteria). (farcy2023geneticprimarymicrocephalies pages 2-4)
Source types: The overview above is derived from aggregated disease-level resources and reviews plus patient-level case reports (e.g., variant discovery and stroke case report). (zhang2023twonovelvariants pages 1-2, mudassir2023microcephalyshortstature pages 1-2, alavi2024arterialstrokein pages 3-4)
Not found in the retrieved sources (therefore not asserted here): MONDO ID, ICD-10/ICD-11 code(s), and canonical MeSH descriptor ID for Seckel syndrome.
Genetic (germline) biallelic pathogenic variants are the primary causal factor, consistent with autosomal recessive inheritance. (kelana2023caseofseckel pages 1-2, jurca2024clinicalchallengesin pages 4-6)
Seckel syndrome is genetically heterogeneous. For example, a 2023 gene-discovery-oriented case report states: “Forty cases of Seckel syndrome have been reported to date in the literature due to mutations in the ATR, TRAIP, RBBP8, NSMCE2, NIN, CENPJ, DNA2, CEP152 and CEP63 genes,” while also presenting RTTN as an additional cause in their family. (mudassir2023microcephalyshortstature pages 1-2)
No protective factors or specific gene–environment interactions were identified in the retrieved evidence. Given the congenital Mendelian etiology, environmental modifiers are plausible but not established here.
Below are high-frequency, defining features. Frequency data are limited in the retrieved sources; where quantitative estimates exist, they are provided.
1) Prenatal-onset growth restriction / primordial dwarfism - Typical onset: prenatal (IUGR) with persistent postnatal growth restriction. (farcy2023geneticprimarymicrocephalies pages 2-4, kelana2023caseofseckel pages 1-2) - HPO suggestions: HP:0001511 (Intrauterine growth restriction), HP:0004322 (Short stature), HP:0000252 (Microcephaly).
2) Severe microcephaly with neurodevelopmental impairment - Phenotype type: clinical sign (microcephaly), symptom domain (intellectual disability). (farcy2023geneticprimarymicrocephalies pages 2-4, zhang2023twonovelvariants pages 1-2) - HPO suggestions: HP:0000252 (Microcephaly), HP:0001249 (Intellectual disability).
3) Craniofacial dysmorphology (“bird-headed” facies) - Reported features: prominent/beaked nose, narrow face, micrognathia, prominent eyes. (kelana2023caseofseckel pages 1-2, alavi2024arterialstrokein pages 2-3) - HPO suggestions: HP:0000365 (Low-set ears), HP:0000347 (Micrognathia), HP:0000411 (Prominent nose) [or equivalent HPO term], HP:0000520 (Proptosis) (as applicable).
4) Congenital anomalies / multisystem involvement (variable) - Reviews and case series note possible cardiovascular anomalies and myelodysplasia among additional features in some patients. (zhang2023twonovelvariants pages 1-2) - HPO suggestions: HP:0001627 (Abnormality of the cardiovascular system), HP:0001875 (Neutropenia)/HP:0001890 (Thrombocytopenia) if myelodysplasia manifests.
A 2024 case report (with literature synthesis) reports that CNS vasculopathy occurs in 3.16% (8/253) of Seckel syndrome patients and that moyamoya disease accounts for 1.97%; reported mean age 13.5 years (range 6–19) with equal sex distribution. (alavi2024arterialstrokein pages 4-4)
Clinical presentations can include headache, seizures, weakness/coma, and imaging findings such as carotid narrowing/obliteration, collateral formation, aneurysms, infarcts, and hemorrhage. (alavi2024arterialstrokein pages 4-4)
HPO suggestions: HP:0001297 (Stroke), HP:0001344 (Cerebral aneurysm), HP:0001324 (Hemiplegia), HP:0002073 (Cerebral infarction).
A single-case rehabilitation report using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF/Kabat) in an 18-year-old describes objective functional changes: Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) improved from 4 to 8, Timed Up and Go (TUG) improved from 28.0 s to 19.9 s, and grip strength increased 23.4% (right) and 27.4% (left), while ADL scale and DASH did not show significant improvements. (souza2022seckelsyndromecase pages 8-11, souza2022seckelsyndromecase pages 11-12)
Evidence supports biallelic pathogenic variants across multiple modules:
DNA damage response / replication stress genes (ATR pathway and partners): - ATR, RBBP8 (CtIP), DNA2, TRAIP, NSMCE2 (listed across review/case sources as Seckel/MPD-associated). (mudassir2023microcephalyshortstature pages 1-2, mcintyre2012disruptionofmouse pages 1-2, patrick2017atrisa pages 58-61)
Centrosome/centriole and mitotic spindle genes: - CENPJ, CEP152, CEP63, NIN, CDK5RAP2, RTTN. (mcintyre2012disruptionofmouse pages 1-2, zhang2023twonovelvariants pages 1-2, mudassir2023microcephalyshortstature pages 1-2)
A 2023 study notes that Seckel syndrome 5 (SCKL5; MIM#613823) is caused by pathogenic variants in CEP152, which encodes a centrosomal protein involved in centrosome duplication and genome integrity / DNA damage responses. (zhang2023twonovelvariants pages 1-2)
Variant interpretation framework: The CEP152 paper explicitly used confirmatory molecular approaches (qPCR/RT-PCR/Sanger) consistent with clinical variant interpretation practices. (zhang2023twonovelvariants pages 1-2)
Across the gene set above, a convergent theme is impaired: - DNA replication-stress response and checkpoint signaling (ATR pathway), and/or - centrosome/centriole integrity and spindle assembly leading to genomic instability, mitotic failure, and cell loss during development. (patrick2017atrisa pages 58-61, mcintyre2012disruptionofmouse pages 1-2)
Population allele frequencies: Not extractable from the retrieved evidence excerpts; therefore not asserted.
No specific environmental, lifestyle, or infectious contributors were identified in the retrieved evidence; Seckel syndrome is presented as a congenital Mendelian disorder. (kelana2023caseofseckel pages 1-2, mudassir2023microcephalyshortstature pages 1-2)
A practical synthesis supported by primary and review literature:
1) Upstream trigger: biallelic loss-of-function or hypomorphic variants in genes controlling DNA damage response/replication stress (e.g., ATR module) and/or centrosome–centriole biogenesis/spindle function (e.g., CENPJ/CEP152/RTTN module). (patrick2017atrisa pages 58-61, mcintyre2012disruptionofmouse pages 1-2, mudassir2023microcephalyshortstature pages 1-2) 2) Cellular consequence: defective checkpoint/repair and/or abnormal centriole number/structure → abnormal mitoses, aneuploidy/micronuclei, replication-associated DNA damage, and increased apoptosis. (mcintyre2012disruptionofmouse pages 1-2, mcintyre2012disruptionofmouse pages 6-8) 3) Tissue/developmental consequence: impaired proliferation/survival of neural progenitors and other growth-critical lineages during embryogenesis → severe microcephaly and proportionate primordial dwarfism. (farcy2023geneticprimarymicrocephalies pages 2-4, mcintyre2012disruptionofmouse pages 1-2)
A key mechanistic statement from the Cenpj mouse model study is that “increased cell death due to mitotic failure during embryonic development is likely to contribute to the proportionate dwarfism.” (mcintyre2012disruptionofmouse pages 1-2)
GO Biological Process (examples): - DNA replication checkpoint / response to replication stress (GO terms associated with ATR module) - DNA damage response, signal transduction by p53 class mediator (for downstream apoptosis) - Centrosome duplication / centriole assembly - Mitotic spindle organization
CL Cell types (examples, mechanistically relevant): - Neural progenitor cell (radial glia) (primary microcephaly mechanism context) (farcy2023geneticprimarymicrocephalies pages 2-4)
Note: Specific GO and CL identifiers are not explicitly enumerated in the retrieved text excerpts; the above are mechanistically aligned suggestions based on the described biology.
Cropped figures/tables from a 2023 review summarize Seckel/MPD genes and their functional localization at the centrosome/spindle and DNA repair pathways. (farcy2023geneticprimarymicrocephalies media eb9668c0, farcy2023geneticprimarymicrocephalies media 1a99a141, farcy2023geneticprimarymicrocephalies media 0b042e40, farcy2023geneticprimarymicrocephalies media c608a08c)
Epidemiologic data are limited and inconsistent across sources: - A 2024 review/case study states Seckel syndrome affects “1 in 10,000 children” and that ~100 cases have been reported. (jurca2024clinicalchallengesin pages 4-6) - A 2022 rehabilitation case report cites Orphanet (2021) and reports an estimated prevalence/incidence of 0.2 per 100,000 live births and also notes the rarity of published families. (souza2022seckelsyndromecase pages 2-4)
Because Seckel syndrome is genetically heterogeneous and historically variably defined within MPD, differences in ascertainment and labeling likely contribute to discrepant estimates. (alkuraya2015primordialdwarfisman pages 1-2, jurca2024clinicalchallengesin pages 1-2)
Clinical suspicion is based on the primordial dwarfism pattern (prenatal-onset growth restriction), severe microcephaly, characteristic facial features, and neurodevelopmental delay/intellectual disability. (farcy2023geneticprimarymicrocephalies pages 2-4, kelana2023caseofseckel pages 1-2)
A 2023 molecularly solved CEP152 case illustrates a practical diagnostic ladder: - Karyotype analysis and CNV-seq were normal. - Trio whole-exome sequencing (WES) identified compound heterozygous CEP152 variants. - qRT-PCR and RT-PCR demonstrated reduced expression and aberrant splicing (exon skipping), with Sanger sequencing confirmation. (zhang2023twonovelvariants pages 1-2)
A 2023 RTTN case similarly used WES to discover a novel biallelic missense variant. (mudassir2023microcephalyshortstature pages 1-2)
In the context of neurologic symptoms, a 2024 pediatric case used MRI (DWI/ADC) to confirm acute MCA territory infarction and vascular imaging (MRA/CTA) showing internal carotid narrowing/obliteration and collateralization. (alavi2024arterialstrokein pages 1-2, alavi2024arterialstrokein pages 4-5)
The same report recommends early neuroimaging for children with Seckel syndrome/related MPD when stroke is suspected, and highlights consideration of medical therapy and potential revascularization in moyamoya-like disease (noting evidence remains limited). (alavi2024arterialstrokein pages 4-4)
Clinical overlap exists with other primordial dwarfism syndromes and short stature disorders; one case-oriented discussion lists alternatives such as Hallermann–Streiff, Dyggve–Melchior–Clausen, and Cockayne syndrome and emphasizes that definitive diagnosis often requires genetic testing. (kelana2023caseofseckel pages 4-5)
Evidence in the retrieved sources is limited and largely case-based. A clinical case report notes that life expectancy can be prolonged and states patients “can live up to 75 years,” but this should be interpreted cautiously given the lack of cohort-level survival analyses in the excerpted evidence. (kelana2023caseofseckel pages 4-5)
A major morbidity driver for a subset of patients is cerebrovascular disease (ischemic stroke, aneurysm, hemorrhage), which—while uncommon—can produce long-term neurological deficits requiring rehabilitation. (alavi2024arterialstrokein pages 3-4, alavi2024arterialstrokein pages 4-4)
No disease-specific curative pharmacotherapy is established in the retrieved evidence; management is described as supportive. (kelana2023caseofseckel pages 1-2, kelana2023caseofseckel pages 4-5)
In a 2024 pediatric stroke case with intracranial vasculopathy, management included aspirin 5 mg/kg; surgical revascularization was not performed due to lack of consent, and the patient received inpatient rehabilitation and ongoing physiotherapy, with residual weakness at 10 months. (alavi2024arterialstrokein pages 3-4, alavi2024arterialstrokein pages 4-5)
MAXO term suggestions (examples): - Supportive care / multidisciplinary management; physical therapy/rehabilitation; antiplatelet therapy (for secondary stroke prevention when indicated).
Primary prevention of Seckel syndrome is not applicable in the conventional sense because it is congenital genetic disease; prevention focuses on genetic counseling and reproductive planning, which is explicitly referenced in the context of solved molecular diagnoses (e.g., improving pregnancy plans after defining CEP152 variants). (zhang2023twonovelvariants pages 1-2)
No naturally occurring veterinary analogs were identified in the retrieved evidence.
A landmark mouse model study shows that disruption of Cenpj (a centriole biogenesis regulator) can phenocopy aspects of Seckel syndrome, including growth defects and cellular genomic instability.
Quantitative examples from Cenpj hypomorphic mice include altered glucose response (e.g., 20.5±0.7 mmol/L vs 30.7±1.60 mmol/L at 15 minutes; P = 2.6×10−5) and increased micronucleated erythrocytes (P = 4×10−6), consistent with spontaneous genomic instability. (mcintyre2012disruptionofmouse pages 6-8)
Mechanistically, the authors argue the instability is linked to centriole/centrosome defects rather than defective ATR/ATM DNA damage signaling in that model, supporting mechanistic heterogeneity across Seckel genes. (mcintyre2012disruptionofmouse pages 6-8, mcintyre2012disruptionofmouse pages 1-2)
1) 2023—CEP152 variant spectrum expansion in Seckel syndrome 5: A Chinese family was solved by trio-WES and functional RNA assays, identifying CEP152 c.1060C>T (p.Arg354*) and c.1414-14A>G with exon skipping, extending knowledge of non-canonical splice variation. (Published Jan 2023; https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2022.1052915) (zhang2023twonovelvariants pages 1-2)
2) 2023—RTTN as a Seckel-spectrum gene in a consanguineous family: A novel biallelic missense RTTN variant c.57G>T (p.Glu19Asp) was reported with microcephaly, short stature, severe intellectual disability, absent speech, and cataracts, broadening the phenotype spectrum. (Published Jun 2023; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10061027) (mudassir2023microcephalyshortstature pages 1-2)
3) 2024—Quantified cerebrovascular risk and stroke phenotype: A 2024 stroke case report summarizes a systematic review reporting CNS vasculopathy 3.16% and moyamoya 1.97% in Seckel syndrome and provides detailed vascular imaging patterns (carotid narrowing/obliteration with collaterals). (Published May 2024; https://doi.org/10.1002/ccr3.8871) (alavi2024arterialstrokein pages 4-4, alavi2024arterialstrokein pages 4-5)
| Topic | Key facts (with numbers where available) | Example evidence/quote | Source (first author year, journal) | PMID/DOI/URL if available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Definition / core features | Seckel syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive microcephalic primordial dwarfism characterized by intrauterine and postnatal growth restriction, severe/proportionate microcephaly, intellectual disability, and a characteristic “bird-headed” facies; adult height is reported around 120 cm, childhood short stature about −6 to −8 SD, and newborn OFC about 27 cm with adult HC 39–42 cm in one review (zhang2023twonovelvariants pages 1-2, farcy2023geneticprimarymicrocephalies pages 2-4, jentcy2021seckelsyndrome pages 1-1). | “rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder… mainly characterized by intrauterine and postnatal growth restrictions, microcephaly, intellectual disability, and a typical ‘bird-head’ facial appearance” (zhang2023twonovelvariants pages 1-2) | Zhang 2023, Frontiers in Genetics; Farcy 2023, Cells | DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1052915; https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2022.1052915 ; DOI: 10.3390/cells12131807; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12131807 |
| Identifiers | Curated identifiers directly supported in gathered evidence: OMIM #210600 for Seckel syndrome; ORPHA:808; a trial record also lists “Seckel syndrome 1” C537533 as a MeSH-like term (farcy2023geneticprimarymicrocephalies pages 2-4, jentcy2021seckelsyndrome pages 1-1, NCT03139903 chunk 1). | “OMIM # 210600” and “ORPHA:808” (farcy2023geneticprimarymicrocephalies pages 2-4, jentcy2021seckelsyndrome pages 1-1) | Farcy 2023, Cells; Jentcy 2021, Definitions/Qeios; ClinicalTrials.gov | DOI: 10.3390/cells12131807; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12131807 ; DOI: 10.32388/9UTNHS; https://doi.org/10.32388/9utnhs ; NCT03139903 |
| Inheritance / nosology | Inheritance is predominantly autosomal recessive; Seckel syndrome is classified within primordial dwarfism, specifically microcephalic primordial dwarfism (MPD) / “Seckel syndrome spectrum disorders” in historical nosology (kelana2023caseofseckel pages 1-2, farcy2023geneticprimarymicrocephalies pages 2-4, jurca2024clinicalchallengesin pages 1-2). | “Seckel syndrome is an extremely rare syndrome with autosomal recessive inheritance” (jurca2024clinicalchallengesin pages 4-6) | Kelana 2023, Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences; Farcy 2023, Cells; Jurca 2024, Medicina | DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2023.10988; https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2023.10988 ; DOI: 10.3390/cells12131807; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12131807 ; DOI: 10.3390/medicina60111906; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60111906 |
| Epidemiology | Evidence is sparse and inconsistent. Reported figures include ~100 cases in the literature/worldwide and estimates of 1 in 10,000 children/births; an Orphanet-derived figure cited in a rehab case report gives 0.2 per 100,000 live births (jurca2024clinicalchallengesin pages 4-6, souza2022seckelsyndromecase pages 2-4, kelana2023caseofseckel pages 1-2). | “Approximately 100 cases have been reported in the literature” and “affecting 1 in 10,000 children” (jurca2024clinicalchallengesin pages 4-6); “estimated prevalence/incidence of 0.2 per 100,000 live births” (souza2022seckelsyndromecase pages 2-4) | Jurca 2024, Medicina; Souza 2022, Research, Society and Development; Kelana 2023, OAMJMS | DOI: 10.3390/medicina60111906; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60111906 ; DOI: 10.33448/rsd-v11i2.25080; https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v11i2.25080 ; DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2023.10988; https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2023.10988 |
| Major causal genes | Gathered evidence supports substantial genetic heterogeneity. Recurrently cited genes include ATR, RBBP8, CENPJ, CEP152, CEP63, NIN, DNA2, TRAIP, NSMCE2, CDK5RAP2, and newer spectrum associations including RTTN (zhang2023twonovelvariants pages 1-2, patrick2017atrisa pages 58-61, mudassir2023microcephalyshortstature pages 1-2, mcintyre2012disruptionofmouse pages 1-2). | “Forty cases of Seckel syndrome have been reported to date… due to mutations in the ATR, TRAIP, RBBP8, NSMCE2, NIN, CENPJ, DNA2, CEP152 and CEP63 genes” (mudassir2023microcephalyshortstature pages 1-2) | Mudassir 2023, Children; Zhang 2023, Frontiers in Genetics; Yigit 2015, Molecular Genetics & Genomic Medicine | DOI: 10.3390/children10061027; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10061027 ; DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1052915; https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2022.1052915 ; DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.158; https://doi.org/10.1002/mgg3.158 |
| Example pathogenic variants | Specific variants documented in gathered evidence include CEP152 c.1060C>T (p.Arg354*), CEP152 c.1414-14A>G causing exon 12 skipping, and RTTN NM_173630.4:c.57G>T (p.Glu19Asp); the CEP152 case had normal karyotype/CNV-seq with pathogenic findings only on trio-WES plus transcript studies (zhang2023twonovelvariants pages 1-2, mudassir2023microcephalyshortstature pages 1-2). | “Two novel variants in CEP152, c.1060C>T (p.Arg354*) and c.1414-14A>G, were identified” (zhang2023twonovelvariants pages 1-2); “Whole-exome sequencing discovered… c.57G > T (p.Glu19Asp)” (mudassir2023microcephalyshortstature pages 1-2) | Zhang 2023, Frontiers in Genetics; Mudassir 2023, Children | DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1052915; https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2022.1052915 ; DOI: 10.3390/children10061027; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10061027 |
| Mechanisms / pathways | Two major mechanistic modules emerge: DNA damage response / replication stress (ATR–ATRIP, RBBP8/CtIP, DNA2, TRAIP) and centrosome / centriole biogenesis and mitotic spindle dysfunction (CENPJ, CEP152, CEP63, NIN, CDK5RAP2, RTTN). Downstream consequences include genomic instability, mitotic failure, apoptosis, and impaired growth/neurodevelopment (patrick2017atrisa pages 58-61, mcintyre2012disruptionofmouse pages 6-8, mcintyre2012disruptionofmouse pages 1-2). | “increased cell death due to mitotic failure during embryonic development is likely to contribute to the proportionate dwarfism” (mcintyre2012disruptionofmouse pages 1-2) | McIntyre 2012, PLoS Genetics; O’Driscoll 2012, Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology; Farcy 2023, Cells | DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003022; https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1003022 ; DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a012773; https://doi.org/10.1101/cshperspect.a012773 ; DOI: 10.3390/cells12131807; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12131807 |
| Diagnostics / testing approach | Diagnosis often begins clinically but increasingly relies on molecular testing. Reported workflows include karyotype, CNV-seq, trio-WES, Sanger confirmation, and RNA studies (qRT-PCR/RT-PCR); in one CEP152 case, karyotype and CNV-seq were normal and trio-WES solved the case (zhang2023twonovelvariants pages 1-2, kelana2023caseofseckel pages 1-2, NCT03139903 chunk 1). | “The karyotype analysis and CNV-seq were normal in the proband… Two novel variants in CEP152… were identified… through trio-WES” (zhang2023twonovelvariants pages 1-2) | Zhang 2023, Frontiers in Genetics; Kelana 2023, OAMJMS; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03139903 | DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1052915; https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2022.1052915 ; DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2023.10988; https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2023.10988 ; NCT03139903 |
| Complications: CNS vasculopathy / stroke | CNS vasculopathy is uncommon but clinically important. A 2024 case report cites a systematic-review estimate of 3.16% (8/253) of Seckel syndrome patients with CNS vasculopathy, with moyamoya disease in 1.97%; mean age was 13.5 years (range 6–19). Reported lesions include carotid narrowing/obliteration, aneurysms, infarction, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and moyamoya/non-moyamoya collateral patterns (alavi2024arterialstrokein pages 4-4, alavi2024arterialstrokein pages 1-2). | “CNS vasculopathy in 3.16% (8/253) of SS patients, with moyamoya disease (MMD) comprising 1.97% of cases” (alavi2024arterialstrokein pages 4-4) | Alavi 2024, Clinical Case Reports | DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8871; https://doi.org/10.1002/ccr3.8871 |
| Management / treatment | No disease-specific curative therapy is established; management is supportive, including developmental intervention, nutrition/growth monitoring, family counseling, and physiotherapy. A real-world PNF/Kabat rehab case (20 sessions over 10 weeks) improved SPPB 4→8, TUG 28.0→19.9 s, and grip strength by 23.4% (right) and 27.4% (left), though ADLs did not significantly improve. In the 2024 pediatric stroke case, aspirin 5 mg/kg was used when revascularization was not performed (souza2022seckelsyndromecase pages 2-4, souza2022seckelsyndromecase pages 11-12, kelana2023caseofseckel pages 4-5, alavi2024arterialstrokein pages 3-4). | “There is no specific treatment” (kelana2023caseofseckel pages 1-2); “the plan was to continue aspirin to reduce recurrent stroke risk” (alavi2024arterialstrokein pages 4-5) | Souza 2022, Research, Society and Development; Kelana 2023, OAMJMS; Alavi 2024, Clinical Case Reports | DOI: 10.33448/rsd-v11i2.25080; https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v11i2.25080 ; DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2023.10988; https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2023.10988 ; DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8871; https://doi.org/10.1002/ccr3.8871 |
| Trials / registries | NCT03139903: completed French multicenter observational study, 30 participants, designed to define morphological/epidemiologic parameters and identify new symptoms; included cerebral angio-MRI, specialty assessments, cognitive testing, and supportive-care planning. NCT04569149: recruiting Primordial Dwarfism Registry, target ~200, chart-review based, collecting longitudinal specialist notes, surgery reports, labs, genetic testing, and imaging to define natural history/risk factors and improve care/QoL (NCT03139903 chunk 1, NCT04569149 chunk 1). | “Primary objective/outcome: to visualize any vascular abnormalities via cerebral angiography‑MRI” (NCT03139903 chunk 1); “support preventative treatments and improved quality of life” (NCT04569149 chunk 1) | ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03139903; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04569149 | https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03139903 ; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04569149 |
Table: This table summarizes high-yield, citation-backed facts on Seckel syndrome for knowledge-base use, including identifiers, genetics, mechanisms, diagnostics, complications, management, and relevant observational studies/registries.
Within the retrieved corpus, ICD-10/ICD-11 codes, MONDO ID, canonical MeSH descriptor ID, robust penetrance/expressivity estimates by gene, and population allele frequencies (gnomAD) were not available; these would require direct querying of OMIM/Orphanet/MeSH/MONDO/ClinVar/gnomAD or dedicated GeneReviews text beyond the excerpts captured here.
References
(farcy2023geneticprimarymicrocephalies pages 2-4): Sarah Farcy, Hassina Hachour, Nadia Bahi-Buisson, and Sandrine Passemard. Genetic primary microcephalies: when centrosome dysfunction dictates brain and body size. Cells, 12:1807, Jul 2023. URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12131807, doi:10.3390/cells12131807. This article has 26 citations.
(zhang2023twonovelvariants pages 1-2): Li Zhang, Yanling Teng, Haoran Hu, Huimin Zhu, Juan Wen, Desheng Liang, Zhuo Li, and Lingqian Wu. Two novel variants in cep152 caused seckel syndrome 5 in a chinese family. Frontiers in Genetics, Jan 2023. URL: https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2022.1052915, doi:10.3389/fgene.2022.1052915. This article has 2 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
(mcintyre2012disruptionofmouse pages 1-2): Rebecca E. McIntyre, Pavithra Lakshminarasimhan Chavali, Ozama Ismail, Damian M. Carragher, Gabriela Sanchez-Andrade, Josep V. Forment, Beiyuan Fu, Martin Del Castillo Velasco-Herrera, Andrew Edwards, Louise van der Weyden, Fengtang Yang, Ramiro Ramirez-Solis, Jeanne Estabel, Ferdia A. Gallagher, Darren W. Logan, Mark J. Arends, Stephen H. Tsang, Vinit B. Mahajan, Cheryl L. Scudamore, Jacqueline K. White, Stephen P. Jackson, Fanni Gergely, and David J. Adams. Disruption of mouse cenpj, a regulator of centriole biogenesis, phenocopies seckel syndrome. PLoS Genetics, 8:e1003022, Nov 2012. URL: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1003022, doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1003022. This article has 109 citations and is from a domain leading peer-reviewed journal.
(kelana2023caseofseckel pages 1-2): Andreas Dhymas Dhyna Martha Kelana, Gusti Ayu Trisna Windiani, Made Arimbawa, Gusti Agung Ngurah Sugitha Adnyana, Made Darma Yuda, Ni Luh Sukma Pratiwi Murti, and Soetjiningsih Soetjiningsih. Case of seckel syndrome in a 9-month-old girl. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 11:6-10, Jan 2023. URL: https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2023.10988, doi:10.3889/oamjms.2023.10988. This article has 0 citations.
(mudassir2023microcephalyshortstature pages 1-2): Behjat Ul Mudassir and Zehra Agha. Microcephaly, short stature, intellectual disability, speech absence and cataract are associated with novel bi-allelic missense variant in rttn gene: a seckel syndrome case report. Children, 10:1027, Jun 2023. URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/children10061027, doi:10.3390/children10061027. This article has 10 citations.
(alavi2024arterialstrokein pages 3-4): Samin Alavi, Mitra Khalili, Paniz Mirmoghaddam, Sharareh Kamfar, and Negar Shams. Arterial stroke in a child with seckel syndrome with a pattern of non‐moyamoya vasculopathy. Clinical Case Reports, May 2024. URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/ccr3.8871, doi:10.1002/ccr3.8871. This article has 1 citations.
(jentcy2021seckelsyndrome pages 1-1): M Jentcy and VV Vanniaperumal. Seckel syndrome. Definitions, Feb 2021. URL: https://doi.org/10.32388/9utnhs, doi:10.32388/9utnhs. This article has 0 citations.
(NCT03139903 chunk 1): The Primordial Dwarfisms: Diagnosis, Identification of the Molecular Basis of Seckel Syndrome and Microcephalic Osteodysplastic Primordial Dwarfism Type II. Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris. 2010. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03139903
(jurca2024clinicalchallengesin pages 1-2): Alexandru Daniel Jurca, Codruța Diana Petchesi, Sânziana Jurca, Emilia Severin, Aurora Alexandra Jurca, and Claudia Maria Jurca. Clinical challenges in diagnosing primordial dwarfism: insights from a mopd ii case study. Medicina, 60:1906, Nov 2024. URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60111906, doi:10.3390/medicina60111906. This article has 4 citations.
(zhang2023twonovelvariants pages 8-8): Li Zhang, Yanling Teng, Haoran Hu, Huimin Zhu, Juan Wen, Desheng Liang, Zhuo Li, and Lingqian Wu. Two novel variants in cep152 caused seckel syndrome 5 in a chinese family. Frontiers in Genetics, Jan 2023. URL: https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2022.1052915, doi:10.3389/fgene.2022.1052915. This article has 2 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
(jurca2024clinicalchallengesin pages 4-6): Alexandru Daniel Jurca, Codruța Diana Petchesi, Sânziana Jurca, Emilia Severin, Aurora Alexandra Jurca, and Claudia Maria Jurca. Clinical challenges in diagnosing primordial dwarfism: insights from a mopd ii case study. Medicina, 60:1906, Nov 2024. URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60111906, doi:10.3390/medicina60111906. This article has 4 citations.
(alavi2024arterialstrokein pages 2-3): Samin Alavi, Mitra Khalili, Paniz Mirmoghaddam, Sharareh Kamfar, and Negar Shams. Arterial stroke in a child with seckel syndrome with a pattern of non‐moyamoya vasculopathy. Clinical Case Reports, May 2024. URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/ccr3.8871, doi:10.1002/ccr3.8871. This article has 1 citations.
(alavi2024arterialstrokein pages 4-4): Samin Alavi, Mitra Khalili, Paniz Mirmoghaddam, Sharareh Kamfar, and Negar Shams. Arterial stroke in a child with seckel syndrome with a pattern of non‐moyamoya vasculopathy. Clinical Case Reports, May 2024. URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/ccr3.8871, doi:10.1002/ccr3.8871. This article has 1 citations.
(souza2022seckelsyndromecase pages 8-11): Jeferson de Lima Souza, Miburge Bolivar Gois Júnior, Diogo Costa Garção, Elenilton Correia de Souza, Isaac Rafael Silva Lima, and Olga Sueli Marques Moreira. Seckel syndrome: case report of functional motor recovery using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation/kabat method. Research, Society and Development, 11:e37111225080, Jan 2022. URL: https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v11i2.25080, doi:10.33448/rsd-v11i2.25080. This article has 0 citations.
(souza2022seckelsyndromecase pages 11-12): Jeferson de Lima Souza, Miburge Bolivar Gois Júnior, Diogo Costa Garção, Elenilton Correia de Souza, Isaac Rafael Silva Lima, and Olga Sueli Marques Moreira. Seckel syndrome: case report of functional motor recovery using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation/kabat method. Research, Society and Development, 11:e37111225080, Jan 2022. URL: https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v11i2.25080, doi:10.33448/rsd-v11i2.25080. This article has 0 citations.
(patrick2017atrisa pages 58-61): Patrick Lang. Atr is a novel therapeutic target for medulloblastoma identified by its role in cerebellar development. Text, 2017. URL: https://doi.org/10.17615/zwrt-bm16, doi:10.17615/zwrt-bm16. This article has 0 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
(mcintyre2012disruptionofmouse pages 6-8): Rebecca E. McIntyre, Pavithra Lakshminarasimhan Chavali, Ozama Ismail, Damian M. Carragher, Gabriela Sanchez-Andrade, Josep V. Forment, Beiyuan Fu, Martin Del Castillo Velasco-Herrera, Andrew Edwards, Louise van der Weyden, Fengtang Yang, Ramiro Ramirez-Solis, Jeanne Estabel, Ferdia A. Gallagher, Darren W. Logan, Mark J. Arends, Stephen H. Tsang, Vinit B. Mahajan, Cheryl L. Scudamore, Jacqueline K. White, Stephen P. Jackson, Fanni Gergely, and David J. Adams. Disruption of mouse cenpj, a regulator of centriole biogenesis, phenocopies seckel syndrome. PLoS Genetics, 8:e1003022, Nov 2012. URL: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1003022, doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1003022. This article has 109 citations and is from a domain leading peer-reviewed journal.
(farcy2023geneticprimarymicrocephalies media eb9668c0): Sarah Farcy, Hassina Hachour, Nadia Bahi-Buisson, and Sandrine Passemard. Genetic primary microcephalies: when centrosome dysfunction dictates brain and body size. Cells, 12:1807, Jul 2023. URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12131807, doi:10.3390/cells12131807. This article has 26 citations.
(farcy2023geneticprimarymicrocephalies media 1a99a141): Sarah Farcy, Hassina Hachour, Nadia Bahi-Buisson, and Sandrine Passemard. Genetic primary microcephalies: when centrosome dysfunction dictates brain and body size. Cells, 12:1807, Jul 2023. URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12131807, doi:10.3390/cells12131807. This article has 26 citations.
(farcy2023geneticprimarymicrocephalies media 0b042e40): Sarah Farcy, Hassina Hachour, Nadia Bahi-Buisson, and Sandrine Passemard. Genetic primary microcephalies: when centrosome dysfunction dictates brain and body size. Cells, 12:1807, Jul 2023. URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12131807, doi:10.3390/cells12131807. This article has 26 citations.
(farcy2023geneticprimarymicrocephalies media c608a08c): Sarah Farcy, Hassina Hachour, Nadia Bahi-Buisson, and Sandrine Passemard. Genetic primary microcephalies: when centrosome dysfunction dictates brain and body size. Cells, 12:1807, Jul 2023. URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12131807, doi:10.3390/cells12131807. This article has 26 citations.
(alavi2024arterialstrokein pages 1-2): Samin Alavi, Mitra Khalili, Paniz Mirmoghaddam, Sharareh Kamfar, and Negar Shams. Arterial stroke in a child with seckel syndrome with a pattern of non‐moyamoya vasculopathy. Clinical Case Reports, May 2024. URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/ccr3.8871, doi:10.1002/ccr3.8871. This article has 1 citations.
(souza2022seckelsyndromecase pages 2-4): Jeferson de Lima Souza, Miburge Bolivar Gois Júnior, Diogo Costa Garção, Elenilton Correia de Souza, Isaac Rafael Silva Lima, and Olga Sueli Marques Moreira. Seckel syndrome: case report of functional motor recovery using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation/kabat method. Research, Society and Development, 11:e37111225080, Jan 2022. URL: https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v11i2.25080, doi:10.33448/rsd-v11i2.25080. This article has 0 citations.
(alkuraya2015primordialdwarfisman pages 1-2): Fowzan S. Alkuraya. Primordial dwarfism: an update. Current Opinion in Endocrinology & Diabetes and Obesity, 22:55–64, Feb 2015. URL: https://doi.org/10.1097/med.0000000000000121, doi:10.1097/med.0000000000000121. This article has 25 citations.
(alavi2024arterialstrokein pages 4-5): Samin Alavi, Mitra Khalili, Paniz Mirmoghaddam, Sharareh Kamfar, and Negar Shams. Arterial stroke in a child with seckel syndrome with a pattern of non‐moyamoya vasculopathy. Clinical Case Reports, May 2024. URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/ccr3.8871, doi:10.1002/ccr3.8871. This article has 1 citations.
(kelana2023caseofseckel pages 4-5): Andreas Dhymas Dhyna Martha Kelana, Gusti Ayu Trisna Windiani, Made Arimbawa, Gusti Agung Ngurah Sugitha Adnyana, Made Darma Yuda, Ni Luh Sukma Pratiwi Murti, and Soetjiningsih Soetjiningsih. Case of seckel syndrome in a 9-month-old girl. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 11:6-10, Jan 2023. URL: https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2023.10988, doi:10.3889/oamjms.2023.10988. This article has 0 citations.
(NCT04569149 chunk 1): Angela Duker. Primordial Dwarfism Registry. Nemours Children's Clinic. 2008. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04569149